King says the league really wants the ban to go through. They
probably don't have the votes to make it happen in 2013, but it
could happen down the line, he reports.

So what's the big deal?

Cut blocks are an important part of how teams both run and pass
protect these days.

Teams are using tight ends as receivers more often, meaning that
running backs are kept in to block on a significant portion of
passing plays. And one of the only ways running backs stand a
chance against bigger, stronger on-rushing blitzers is by diving
at their legs. Eliminating these blocks would put a greater
premium on running backs who can pass protect, and could lead to
a more conservative shift in offensive strategy as teams struggle
to protect the QB.

"If the ban is passed, there will be no way to stop the biggest,
strongest defensive players without double-teaming them, which
will impact offensive output and, for one of the only times in
the last 40 years, push the pendulum back to the defense."

"Two coaches with an offensive leaning told me they thought it'd
be the death kneel for running games as we know them, because so
many teams teach pulling guards and backs to chop down defenders
by diving and rolling at their feet."

The NFL is notoriously slow to evolve, so it's unsurprising that
the football world is having a minor freak out at the prospect of
its game being tweaked.

But as Florio noted, this is a big deal because it helps the
defense. Every trend in football right now points to more offense
in the future. This one, if it goes through, means more defense.